All three showings of 'Monologues' are sellouts

Published: Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 6:56 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 6:56 p.m.

Sitting in the attic of a law firm in downtown Gainesville between stacks of boxes of old files is a vivacious woman wearing a hat she made herself that was inspired by Jackie Onassis.

Her three directors give her the go ahead, and she begins the monologue of a 72-year-old woman. To appropriately portray the character, 81-year-old Pauline Masterton clears her throat and ages and trembles her voice to what a 72-year-old might sound like. You can't help but give in to the involuntary tugs that pull your mouth into a smile as she starts the monologue of a woman who is talking, for the first time ever, about her vagina.

Masterton is rehearsing for this year's production of "The Vagina Monologues" in Gainesville, and, well, vagina sells.

The benefit production has already sold out its three nights of 95-seat shows at $25 per ticket, consequently generating one of the largest fundraisers that local domestic abuse shelter Peaceful Paths has enjoyed.

The show is a series of monologues performed by an array of women who touch on different aspects of femininity and, namely, their feelings about their vaginas. It is a huge component of the anti-violence against women V-Day movement, which aims to raise money and awareness for rape crisis centers and other resources for women.

The last time the play was staged locally was in 2011, and this is the first time the auditions were open to the entire Gainesville community.

It has been put on by UF in the past, meaning only students and faculty could perform.

Keri Johnson, Emily Snider and Dean Carvalho are the directors of the 18-actress show that will be staged at the Hippodrome Theater on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. In addition to the performances, there will be a silent art auction featuring local artists and themed art.

<p>Sitting in the attic of a law firm in downtown Gainesville between stacks of boxes of old files is a vivacious woman wearing a hat she made herself that was inspired by Jackie Onassis.</p><p>Her three directors give her the go ahead, and she begins the monologue of a 72-year-old woman. To appropriately portray the character, 81-year-old Pauline Masterton clears her throat and ages and trembles her voice to what a 72-year-old might sound like. You can't help but give in to the involuntary tugs that pull your mouth into a smile as she starts the monologue of a woman who is talking, for the first time ever, about her vagina.</p><p>Masterton is rehearsing for this year's production of "The Vagina Monologues" in Gainesville, and, well, vagina sells.</p><p>The benefit production has already sold out its three nights of 95-seat shows at $25 per ticket, consequently generating one of the largest fundraisers that local domestic abuse shelter Peaceful Paths has enjoyed.</p><p>The show is a series of monologues performed by an array of women who touch on different aspects of femininity and, namely, their feelings about their vaginas. It is a huge component of the anti-violence against women V-Day movement, which aims to raise money and awareness for rape crisis centers and other resources for women.</p><p>The last time the play was staged locally was in 2011, and this is the first time the auditions were open to the entire Gainesville community.</p><p>It has been put on by UF in the past, meaning only students and faculty could perform.</p><p>Keri Johnson, Emily Snider and Dean Carvalho are the directors of the 18-actress show that will be staged at the Hippodrome Theater on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. In addition to the performances, there will be a silent art auction featuring local artists and themed art.</p>